Designed by Giselbrecht + Partner Architects, the building is home to Kiefer Technic’s hospital equipment showroom. The look of the building is in keeping with the modern stainless steel tools that are displayed inside but with one twist. When occupants want to adjust the light or temperature in a room, they don’t pull on shades or twist a little rod. Instead, they can control any or all of the 112 metal tiles that grace the exterior of the showroom by means of 56 engines. The motion of the tiles is quiet and can be continuous if you want it to.

While we think that the design of the showroom and the dynamic nature of the facade are truly spectacular, we do wonder how much energy is needed to run the engines that control the metal tiles. After all, while the shading does help keep unwanted heat out of the building and therefore minimize air conditioning usage, if the electricity needed to keep the tiles “dancing” exceeds the energy savings, we can’t really call this project sustainable.